7 things you learn as a supermarket employee: ‘this is how rude customers really are’

Did you think working in a supermarket was mainly about stocking shelves and working the checkout? Think again. Laura (23), an Albert Heijn employee, earns almost 16 euros an hour, which is fine, but the customers… that’s a whole different story. According to her, you learn more about human behavior here than at any other workplace.

We asked her about the most important lessons. And yes: these are 7 things that show just how rude customers can be and what you can do about it.

1. Croissants are sacred… until they run out

For Mother’s Day, Laura’s branch had eight boxes of croissants, around 600 in total. By 11 a.m., they were gone. And what happened? Angry customers. Shouting, swearing, drama in the aisles. “I tried to calmly explain that we had run out of stock,” says Laura, “but that didn’t matter. Some people expect you to come up with something else so they can still get their croissants. I was seriously sworn at. Over a croissant!”

2. Customers have zero patience

Wait a moment for a product to finish baking? Forget it. “Sometimes people shout that they want their sandwich NOW. It doesn’t matter that there are other customers or that we have other tasks to do as well. Honestly, it’s as if their entire day depends on one baguette.”

3. You’re treated like a personal assistant

“Customers don’t understand that we’re doing several tasks at once. Are you just cleaning? Then suddenly they’re standing next to you with five questions at once, while someone else is trying to persuade you to arrange something extra. Some customers even come with ‘demanding questions’ when it’s obvious we’re on our lunch break. As if we’re personal assistants instead of employees.”

4. People freak out over every little thing

Even worse than having no patience is how quickly customers lose their temper. “Croissants sold out? Drama. Bread sold out? Drama. Not exactly the same product as yesterday? Drama. Once, a customer stood there complaining that the bell pepper wasn’t completely ripe. Seriously, it seemed as if I had personally ruined their day.”

5. Customers forget that we’re human

“They think we’re robots,” says Laura. “They want everything immediately, in perfect condition, while we also have to help other customers. They ignore the work that goes into every product. And if you say something about it, always politely and customer-friendly, of course, then we’re the ones being difficult.”

6. People are creatures of habit—to the point of frustration

“Customers are real creatures of habit. The same sandwich every day, the same checkout and often the same jokes that aren’t funny. If there’s a small difference from yesterday, they get frustrated. It’s actually quite funny… if you don’t take it too literally.”

7. Keeping your distance is survival

Laura: “I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone. People can be really brazen, shout, complain and show absolutely no understanding. Often, they’re downright rude. Often, keeping your distance is the only way to preserve your own sanity.”

Read also:

• 10 supermarket checkout annoyances you’re probably guilty of too
• 12 irritating behaviors that drive supermarket employees crazy
• These are the tastiest beef croquettes you can buy at the supermarket